Footy legend Billy Slater and wife Nicole reveal the stunning addition they've made to their huge country property

Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater and wife Nicole have revealed an exciting new addition to the stunning home they have built an hour outside Melbourne. 

After retiring from the NRL in 2018, Billy moved to a farm with his wife of 14 years  and their two children, daughter Tyla and son Jake, a year later.

The family now breeds thoroughbred horses, while artist Nicole also paints the animals, showing off her stunning artworks on Instagram.

The latest building on the property is a gallery for Nicole's paintings, which now command prices of more than $60,000.

The gallery gives Nicole the freedom to show her artwork separately to the rest of the family home - and also boasts a soundproof office for Slater to do his live TV crosses and podcasts.

'It is like the doghouse, but a nice one,' Nicole told News Corp.

'We both work from home so it is important that we keep the separation, then when we are at home, we can be at home.'

Slater took to Instagram last week to unveil the new gallery and pay tribute to his talented wife. 

'I am inspired every day!' he wrote on Instagram.

'My coach once said, 'hard work will beat talent when talent doesn't want to work hard'. But when you mix an incredible talent, with someone who has commitment, dedication, and self resilience, the accomplishments are endless. 

'You deserve everything you get Nicole. Including me.

'I'm so proud of you.'

Both Billy and Nicole have always shared a love of horses, having first met at a 'pony club' when they were teenagers.

They bonded over riding horses and show jumping, but were nothing more than friends for almost a decade.

'When we bought these 20 acres (8ha) there was nothing here. No services just rolling hills,' Slater said.

'It was a blank canvas. We would come out here and sit on the roof of the car and picture the view from the living room.'